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Six Minnesota players out vs. Rutgers over restraining orders

College Football, Minnesota Golden Gophers

Six Minnesota football players will miss Saturday's home game against Rutgers because of restraining orders served against them this week, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

Cornerbacks KiAnte Hardin, Ray Buford and Kiondre Thomas, safety Dior Johnson, running back Carlton Djam and defensive lineman Tamarion Johnson are out after a woman involved in Golden Gophers game-day operations filed the orders stemming from a September sexual assault allegation. TCF Bank Stadium was included in restricted addresses for the players.

"It would not be appropriate for the University to comment on this matter to the extent it relates to University students," university spokesman Evan Lapinska said in a statement. "The University reaffirms, however, that it will honor and comply with court orders."

Hardin, Buford, Dior Johnson and Tamarion Johnson were suspended for three games each earlier this season while the Minneapolis Police Department investigated the allegations. The Hennepin County Attorney's Office decided not to pursue charges in early October, saying there was insufficient evidence to prove an assault occurred.

Djam and Thomas had not been suspended or named in the investigation.

The players' attorney, Lee Hutton, called the restraining orders a "calculated move," according to the Twin Cities Pioneer Press.

A hearing on the orders is set for Tuesday.

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